Microwave ovens can play an important role at mealtime, but
special care must be taken when cooking or reheating meat,
poultry, fish, and eggs to make sure they are prepared
safely. Microwave ovens can cook unevenly and leave "cold
spots," where harmful bacteria can survive. For this reason,
it is important to use the following safe microwaving tips
to prevent food-borne illness.
Microwave Cooking
1. Arrange food items evenly in a covered dish and add some
liquid if needed. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap;
loosen or vent the lid or wrap to let steam escape.
2. Large cuts of meat should be cooked on medium power (50%)
for longer periods. This allows heat to reach the center
without overcooking outer areas.
3. Stir or rotate food midway through the microwaving time
to eliminate cold spots where harmful bacteria can survive.
Microwave Defrosting
4. Remove food from packaging before defrosting. Do not use
foam trays and plastic wraps because they are not heat
stable at high temperatures.
5. Cook meat, poultry, egg casseroles, and fish immediately
after defrosting in the microwave oven because some areas of
the frozen food may begin to cook during the defrosting
time.
Reheating In The Microwave
6. Cover foods with a lid or a microwave-safe plastic wrap
to hold in moisture and provide safe, even heating.
7. After reheating foods in the microwave oven, allow
standing time. Then, use a clean food thermometer to check
that food has reached 165? F.
Proper Containers
8. Only use cookware that is specially manufactured for use
in the microwave oven and that is labeled for microwave oven
use.
9. Plastic storage containers such as margarine tubs, take-
out containers, whipped topping bowls, and other one-time
use containers should not be used in microwave ovens. These
containers can warp or melt, possibly causing harmful
chemicals to migrate into the food.
10. Microwave plastic wraps, wax paper, cooking bags,
parchment paper, and white microwave-safe paper towels
should be safe to use. Do not let plastic wrap touch foods
during microwaving.
Terry Nicholls
My Home-Based Business Advisor
www.my-home-based-business-advisor.com
Copyright ? by Terry Nicholls. All Rights Reserved.
About The Author
Terry Nicholls is the author of the eBook "Food Safety: Protecting Your Family From Food Poisoning". In addition, he writes from his own experiences in trying to start his own home-based business. To benefit from his success, visit My Home-Based Business Advisor - Helping YOUR Home Business Start and Succeed for free help for YOUR home business, including ideas, startup, and expansion advice.